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Didn't know about the fasteners. The builder gave us the plywood for all the windows but not the hardware. They indicated it was coded after we moved in our phase one section. Newer sections already have the installed wing screws. These look a little better. I will check with lowes.
I've installed the plyFASTner system before. There's a small learning curve but not too bad. Most people I know who have plywood pre-cut still don't put it up but this system makes it a good bit easier and more likely to be used.
I am thinking of either getting storm shutters or impact windows. Which one would you get? Costs?
Keep in mine I have 14 windows.
I like the looks of shutters and they can keep out the afternoon sun.
Thanks
Shutters over impact windows, any day. Windows are too heavy and expensive to replace after they get broken and who wants to wait months for the factory to catch up with the demand after the storm. Folks waited a year or longer after the hurricanes of 2004 here in Florida. Window and shutter combo is cheaper than a good quality impact window, too. With 14 windows, that adds up.
If you opt for the real cheap pvc windows, be prepared to buy them again in 15-20 years - they simply won't hold up to the intense UV rays in the South or any beachfront where the sunlight gets doubled when it bounces off of the water. If you HAVE to go with impact windows, choose aluminum frames. They are stronger, last longer and can be recycled and not toxic to the environment like pvc is. The also won't warp or get brittle. The more online research that you do, the more educated you will be. Online window forums and places like Houzz and Gardenweb can also be helpful.
And remember, there's a big difference between factory replacement windows and replacement insert windows.
Didn't know about the fasteners. The builder gave us the plywood for all the windows but not the hardware. They indicated it was coded after we moved in our phase one section. Newer sections already have the installed wing screws. These look a little better. I will check with lowes.
Shutters over impact windows, any day. Windows are too heavy and expensive to replace after they get broken and who wants to wait months for the factory to catch up with the demand after the storm. Folks waited a year or longer after the hurricanes of 2004 here in Florida. Window and shutter combo is cheaper than a good quality impact window, too. With 14 windows, that adds up.
If you opt for the real cheap pvc windows, be prepared to buy them again in 15-20 years - they simply won't hold up to the intense UV rays in the South or any beachfront where the sunlight gets doubled when it bounces off of the water. If you HAVE to go with impact windows, choose aluminum frames. They are stronger, last longer and can be recycled and not toxic to the environment like pvc is. The also won't warp or get brittle. The more online research that you do, the more educated you will be. Online window forums and places like Houzz and Gardenweb can also be helpful.
And remember, there's a big difference between factory replacement windows and replacement insert windows.
Good luck with your project.
Just getting impact glass during new construction was almost 8 weeks. Plus, one cracked from a lawnmower thrown rock. It was a $400 window and I asked for just the one pane and they want $330. Ripoff. Waiting a year after a disaster would be horrible too. I'm starting to like the shutter idea better.
I personally like the poly-carb type panels that function similar to the plywood cover system above. They are lighter and have the mounting hardware already up. Muhler Company used to have a version I liked but I'm sure plenty of other placed carry something similar.
Real shutters could work well too but they don't really work on the window sizes/configurations people want now.
And I agree with the others about window repairs. And its always cheaper by a mile to install windows during construction than after the fact.
When we built we were told that it was code to install hurricane rated windows. We have shutters on the front of the house (non rated). Most of the folks that have plywood that was cut for their windows didn't put them up due to the weight, especially second or third story.
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